Eat Power-packed Purslane

Frances Robinson

Common in our yards but little known in the North American kitchen, purslane is both delicious and exceptionally nutritious. Regarded by many as a weed, common purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is also known as duckweed, fatweed, pursley, pussley and wild portulaca. Purslane may be a common plant, but it is uncommonly good for you. Substitute purslane for spinach, or use it to thicken soups and stews for these nutritious benefits:

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• High levels of soluble fiber help lower cholesterol
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• Six times more vitamin E than spinach
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• Best known plant source of essential omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
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• Seven times more beta carotene than carrots
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• Rich in vitamin C, magnesium, riboflavin, potassium and phosphorous
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